It's sad when big players near the end - Mourinho pays tribute to Ibrahimovic

Jose Mourinho paid tribute to Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of his presentation as an LA Galaxy player on Friday, saying it makes him "sad" when he sees the best players head towards the end of their careers.

United confirmed Ibrahimovic had been released last Thursday amid speculation linking him with a move to Major League Soccer, ending his 20-month association with the club.

The player and Galaxy announced their agreement a day later, with Ibrahimovic to attend his first training session on Friday before a media conference.

Ibrahimovic was a leading star at Old Trafford last season, scoring 28 goals in 46 appearances, helping United to an EFL Cup and Europa League double, but in the quarter-final of the latter against Anderlecht the Swede suffered ligament damage to his right knee and saw his campaign ended early.

Although he was handed a new deal in August, Ibrahimovic only went on to play another seven games and Mourinho finds it upsetting when the best players enter their twilight years.

"For me, it's always sad when the big players go in the direction of the end," said Mourinho.

Jose on @Ibra_Official: "He's a huge player that European football is losing. But this period with LA Galaxy will be very good for him, he will be good for American football, because of what he can do; his personality, his passion and his professionalism" #MUFCpic.twitter.com/DxrJqfuCfg